Strategic Planning with Community Input for LCAP

We are in the midst of a new era for accountability in education. Across the state, districts now must engage their shareholders. Every school creates a three-year plan to work toward achieving the eight state priorities. Rather than rating schools by a single index score (API), constituents have a more comprehensive view of how a school district is doing in different areas.

Most importantly, parents, students, teachers, and community members have a stronger voice in educational decision-making.

In truth, this new format, which is in its third year, reinforces aspects of our educational plan that we have always strived to do well in Coronado. Elevating the voice of stakeholders is nothing new. Long-term planning and fiscal responsibility helped us weather state budget cuts. We’ve always worked to develop positive communication channels. We’ve excelled when we gave students a stake in their own education.

The main difference is achieving these goals in line with the state accountability measures.

On Wednesday, February 1st we held our LCAP strategic planning session. Over fifty participants contributed to defining the best path forward. From students to parents to staff members to the governing school board to community members, everyone weighed in.

This relationship between the five trustees, our schools, and the community defines great education.

At our annual meeting, we took the opportunity to not only evaluate the best ways to meet the state goals, but also to better define our own local accountability measures and goals. At this meeting, six themes were discussed that align both with local and state goals:

Personalized Learning

Systems of Communication

Intervention and Enrichment Experiences

Academic Opportunities and Programs

Professional Development for All CUSD Staff

District Office Support

Within each theme, we listened and discussed, refined our vision, and outlined systems to achieve related goals. For example, under Personalized Learning, we emphasized the importance of both teacher and student awareness of academic strengths, areas of personal growth, and career interests. When both are collaborating via a personalized learning plan, the teacher can better instruct the student. Looking at systems for academic interventions, we discussed strengthening our data-driven, decision-making processes and sequences to help students meet standards in all areas. This will help us close achievement gaps.

Ultimately, our LCAP Strategic Planning Community Meeting was a huge success. We received meaningful, valuable feedback, gained unique perspectives, and have a better idea of what we are doing well, and where we have room for improvement.